Author: Ugochukwu Oha-Ema

A group of suspected thugs has released a chilling warning to Lagos State residents, threatening to unleash violence on anyone who participates in the planned hunger protest scheduled for August 1-10. In a viral video clip, the thugs, who remained faceless, cautioned market women and men against joining the protest, claiming it could lead to more destruction than the #EndSARS protest. The thugs issued a stern warning, saying, “Anybody that is confident should come out on Thursday to protest. Are you the only one hungry? If you dare come out for the protest, you will be mercilessly dealt with.” The…

The Federal Government has requested a $500 million loan from the World Bank to address Nigeria’s water security challenges and enhance agricultural productivity through the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project (SPIN). The loan, expected to be approved on September 26, 2024, will focus on four critical areas: institutional strengthening and capacity building, irrigation modernization, improvements in dam operations and safety, and project management. According to the World Bank’s Project Information Document, Nigeria faces water security challenges exacerbated by climate change, impacting water availability for drinking, energy, and food production. The SPIN project aims to reinforce federal and state…

Thousands of MTN users converged on the company’s Idi-Ape office on Monday, protesting the sudden blockage of their SIM cards due to NIN-SIM linkage issues. The protest, sparked by the telecom company’s decision to block phone numbers without prior warning, saw frustrated customers sending MTN staff members home. Oyo Affairs tweeted a video showing thousands of stranded customers at the Idi-Ape office, prompting Ogbeni Adefila to suggest a class action lawsuit against the service provider. Other users, including OluwaLoba and Razqee, expressed frustration at the service disruptions, despite some having registered and linked their SIMs with their NIN. However, Jamal…

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has thrown his weight behind Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, following reports of challenges facing his business operations in Nigeria. In a statement on Monday, Obi encouraged Dangote to remain resilient, saying, “My Dear Elder Brother, Alhaji Dangote, I want you to know that your friend is wrong. You did the right thing by investing in the productivity, growth, development and progress of our beloved nation…” Obi, a former Anambra State governor, drew from his own experiences, sharing personal setbacks he faced since entering public service. He noted that despite obstacles, he remains optimistic about…

The Take It Back Movement has vowed to proceed with its planned hunger protest at Eagle Square in Abuja, despite the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that they must apply properly and pay security costs. In an interview, the group’s Director of Mobilization, Damilare Adenola, stated that Wike has no choice but to allow “hungry Nigerian youths” to use the facility, as it is public property. Adenola blamed bureaucracy for the delay in delivering the letter requesting use of the square and utilities, and asserted that the minister’s demand for payment is unreasonable, given the impoverished…

Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has finally spoken out on the recent departure of Kenneth Okonkwo, the party’s former spokesperson, from the party and the Obidient Movement. Okonkwo had announced his exit on Sunday, citing Obi’s handling of the party’s crisis as the main reason for his decision. However, Obi’s spokesman, Yunusa Tanko, revealed that Obi views Okonkwo’s departure with sadness, but not as a betrayal. “Obi told me succinctly that Okonkwo cannot be called a mole in our family with the services he rendered and still renders in our struggle to create a new Nigeria that is possible,”…

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has invited representatives of civil society groups and student bodies for a dialogue session on Monday. The meeting aims to address grievances and find solutions to the economic hardship facing the state. A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, described the meeting as a “comprehensive dialogue” with organisers of upcoming national protests, security personnel, and civil society stakeholders. Governor Adeleke emphasized the importance of dialogue in state governance, saying, “I have instructed my team to organise a dialogue session on Monday where stakeholders can engage in discussions as part of peacemaking in the exercise…

Niger’s military junta celebrated the first anniversary of its coup with a grand rally in the capital city of Niamey on Friday. Thousands of supporters gathered at the stadium, dressed in clothes bearing photos of regime members and chanting the name of junta chief Abdourahamane Tiani. The event was heavily secured, with armored vehicles deployed around the venue. Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine hailed the occasion as a “great popular support” for the regime. “Never in our country’s recent history has an event received such great popular support,” he said. The junta has made significant changes since taking power,…

In a bid to halt the naira’s free fall, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has injected $148 million into the foreign exchange market. The intervention, which took place on July 22 and 23, 2024, involved 29 authorized dealers and was aimed at promoting market stability and reducing volatility. Despite previous efforts, including the sale of $122.67 million to 46 authorized dealers two weeks ago and the announcement of $20,000 sales to BDCs at N1,450/$1, the naira has continued to depreciate, trading above N1,600 at the official market on Thursday. The CBN’s latest move involves the sale of foreign exchange…

Former Super Eagles captain Mikel John Obi has issued a strong warning to Nigerian footballers plying their trade abroad, emphasizing that Nigeria should never be considered a second option. In a candid video on his podcast show, The Obi One Podcast, Mikel stressed that football talents of Nigerian or African descent should prioritize their roots. He expressed frustration with players who only consider representing Nigeria when their international careers are dwindling. Mikel’s message was clear: “We’re not second options. Don’t wait until 29, 30, then you’re (like) ‘Oh, Nigerian FA, I’m ready to play for you now’ No, f**k off…